Dwight L. Moody tells the story of an artist who wanted a man that would
represent the prodigal. One day he met a poor beggar, and thought, "That
man would represent the prodigal." He found the beggar ready to sit
for his painting if he would pay him. The man appeared on the day appointed,
but the artist failed to recognize him. He said: "You made an appointment with me." "No," replied the artist, "I never saw you before." "You are mistaken, you did see me, and made an appointment with
me." "No, it must be some other artist. I have an appointment to meet
a beggar at this hour." "Well," said the beggar, "I am the man." "You are the man?" "Yes." "What have you been doing?" "Well, I thought I would get a new suit of clothes before I got
painted." "Well," said the artist, "I don't want you," and
he would not have him so. If you are coming to God, come just as you are. Do not go and put on
some garments of yours, and think the Lord will accept you because you
have some good thoughts and desires (John 3:3). --John Hughson (5/17/02) |